Da Vinci Science

This week is Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week! We want to take a moment to acknowledge all of the love, care, and amazing learning experiences DVS teachers and staff work hard to provide for all of our students. Thank you, DVS Teachers and staff! Thank you, families and students, for making our teachers and staff feel appreciated this week!

Last week was another packed week: SBAC Testing, dissections in science labs, field trips for career-connected learning, AAPI CD, Decision Day, and Prom… to name a few! This coming week is another pivotal week for DVS. We have our WASC accreditation review this week, during which WASC visitors will observe our school and interview stakeholders to understand better and verify all we do here at DVS. Thank you for your continued support.

Week 33 Schedule:

Week 33 Announcements:  

• Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is HERE, and the DVS Parent Association needs your help celebrating them ** Sign up and donate by Tues May 6 ** SIGN UP HERE! If you’re unable to bring items onto campus, no worries! We can use Costco or Target e-gift cards sent to DVSappreciation@gmail.com. Notes of appreciation can be dropped off at the DVS front office all week. Thank you to all families who have already contributed to making our teachers feel special. Here are some additional ideas for students to show their appreciation:
  • Monday – Message of Thanks: Write a thoughtful note or thank-you card to one (or more!) of your teachers. A few kind words go a long way!
  • Tuesday – Say It Out Loud: Share words of affirmation. Tell your teachers what you appreciate most about them — don’t hold back the love!
  • Wednesday – Flower Power: Bring in a flower (real, handmade, or even drawn!) to brighten your teacher’s day.
  • Thursday – Tasty Treats: Surprise your teachers with something sweet or delicious. Homemade or store-bought — it’s the thought that counts!
  • Friday – Final Touch Friday: Consider giving a small gift or a gift card as a token of appreciation (only if it’s appropriate and possible for you). 
• Grade Updates: Staff update grades on PD days so grades are up-to-date by the Tuesday of the following week. Tuesday, 5/6 will be the last grade update of the semester before final report cards. All coursework and grading information will continue to be through Canvas.
  • Student and Parent/Guardian Canvas Link: https://davincischools.instructure.com
  • Additional Canvas resources are available at the bottom of the Academics page on our blog.
• 11th Grade CHYA Refresh Presentations: Dr. Emily Green and Nurse Titsyana Lucero will be presenting a refresh of the health & sexual education curriculum (“CHYA”, or “California Healthy Youth Act”) during 11th grade biology classes Monday-Wednesday, May 12th-14th. Click this link to read the notification letter from Dr. Green. If you have any questions about the content that will be covered, please email Dr. Green at egreen@davincischools.org. Parents have the right to “opt-out” of this presentation for their child. If you wish to do so, please email Saya Wai, DVS Assistant Principal, at swai@davincischools.org. 
• FREE SAT/PSAT and College App/Essay Seminars: PJ Test prep is offering FREE SAT/ACT Practice Test & Results Seminars and FREE College Essay & App Seminars via Zoom in May and July. PJ Test Prep is a small, boutique SAT/ACT prep and tutoring company based here in the South Bay and West LA that has been providing support to DVS students during Test Prep Seminar for several years. Sign up for the seminars at this link.
• Junior College Planning Meetings: Ms. Marquez will host the Individual Post-DVS Planning Meetings with juniors and their parent/guardian in May and June. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss next year’s plan; including the college application process and student’s overall post-high school plans. Every Junior is expected to schedule a meeting and have at least one parent/guardian present. However, if a parent/guardian is unable to attend, students are still expected to sign up. This meeting can be in person, over the phone or via Zoom. These meetings can also be conducted in Spanish, if needed. Meeting information:
  • Meeting sign-up
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Complete the Parent/Guardian Letter
  • Build a college list using your A-G GPA as your baseline and SAT/ACT test scores, if applicable. For your reference, here is the Just for Juniors presentation Ms. Valle and Ms. Marquez did prior to spring break which will support in GPA calculations and building college lists.
  • If you have any questions about the Individual Junior College Planning Meeting, please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, directly (fmarquez@davincischools.org). If you have questions about your transcript, please reach out to Ms. Valle, Academic and Wellness Counselor for the Class of 2026 (cvalle@davincischools.org). We look forward to meeting with each of you to discuss your Post-DVS Plans!
• 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.
• DVS Families Coffee: In lieu of the regular scheduled DVS Families Coffee time, families are invited to attend the WASC review presentation form Wednesday, 5/7,4:00 on campus in Ms. Hernandez’s room. 

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday – Wednesday, 5/5-5/7 WASC Accreditation Visit
• Friday, 5/9: Cal Poly SLO Field Trip- 11th Grade Pathways
• Monday, 5/12 Senior Beach Day
• Monday, 5/12 9th Grade Fulcrum Day
• Wednesday, 5/21 DVS Parent Association Meeting at 5:30pm
• Monday, 5/26 Memorial Day Holiday – No School
• Tuesday, 5/27 Last Day of TTh Seminar
• Wednesday, 5/28 Last Day of MW Seminar
• Tuesday, 6/3 9th Grade POLs Begin
• Wednesday, 6/4 10th Grade POLs and 12th Grade SRPs Begin
• Thursday, 6/5 11th Grade POLs Begin
• Friday, 6/6 Disneyland Grad Nite
• Tuesday, 6/10 Senior Breakfast & Grad Rehearsal
• Wednesday, 6/11 Last Day of the 2024-2025 School Year
• Thursday, 6/12 Class of 2025 Graduation at 1:00pm

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week:

SWE girls at the MUSES Woman of the Year luncheon at the Jonathan Club. They got to hear inspiring words from honoree, Renata Simril, CEO of LA84 Foundation and spearheaded the new Science of Sports exhibition at CA Science Center

May is AAPI Heritage Month. Thank you, Leadership, for putting together a beautiful CD to celebrate.

 

Decision Day on May 1, 2025- Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on your decision for the next chapter in your lives!

Senior Prom 2025

 

 

 

We had a very busy week coming back from the break. From CLD Day to a field trip to Belkin, to Collegewise Info. Session, to Earth Day, bag making, and Beats projects in Physics! We now have less than 7 weeks of school this semester, and still lots of learning, projects, activities, events, and fun in store for the remainder of the school year. It will go by quickly!

This month, we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. Our Leadership students look forward to hosting a fun and meaningful CD this Wednesday, April 23rd. May 1st is Decision Day, and we look forward to cheering on our Seniors- Class of 2025 as they share what their plans are for the next chapter in their lives. And of course, we look forward to PD day on Friday, which will give seniors extra time to get ready for Prom, May 2nd at 6:00. We look forward to creating lasting, fond high school memories for all our students. 

Week 32 Schedule:

Week 32 Announcements:  

• 11th Grade Statewide Testing: All 11th grade students will be taking the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics as well as the CAST (California Science Test) this coming Monday and Tuesday, April 28th and 29th during school hours. Please see this State Testing Parent Notification Letter for more information.
• Parent/Guardians Needed for WASC: Da Vinci Science’s WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation visit is coming up May 5th-7th. The primary goals of accreditation are certification to the public that the school is a trustworthy institution of learning. During this time, WASC Visiting Committee Members will be on campus, meeting with stakeholders and observing classes. We are in need of parents/guardians to meet with the WASC Visiting Committee to share your experience as a parent/guardian of DVS. This meeting will take place in a hybrid format (you can come to campus or join via Zoom) on Sunday, May 4th at 5:15pm. If you are available and willing to participate in this meeting, please fill out this form, and we will reach out to you with details.
• 11th Grade CHYA Refresh Presentations: Dr. Emily Green and Nurse Titsyana Lucero will be presenting a refresh of the health & sexual education curriculum (“CHYA”, or “California Healthy Youth Act”) during 11th grade biology classes Monday-Wednesday, May 12th-14th. Click this link to read the notification letter from Dr. Green. If you have any questions about the content that will be covered, please email Dr. Green at egreen@davincischools.org. Parents have the right to “opt-out” of this presentation for their child. If you wish to do so, please email Saya Wai, DVS Assistant Principal, at swai@davincischools.org. 
• FREE SAT/PSAT and College App/Essay Seminars: PJ Test prep is offering FREE SAT/ACT Practice Test & Results Seminars and FREE College Essay & App Seminars via Zoom in May and July. PJ Test Prep is a small, boutique SAT/ACT prep and tutoring company based here in the South Bay and West LA that has been providing support to DVS students during Test Prep Seminar for several years. Sign up for the seminars at this link.
• CollegeWise Slides: Thank you to all the juniors and their families who attended our Juniors! How to Get Ahead on a College Application workshop prior to spring break. Here are the PPT slides to his presentation. You may contact Ian Parker from CollegeWise if you have follow-up questions: ianp@collegewise.com. 
• Junior College Planning Meetings: Ms. Marquez will begin the Individual Post-DVS College Planning Meetings with juniors and their parent/guardian in May and June. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss next year’s plan, including the college application process and students’ overall post-high school plans. Every Junior is expected to schedule a meeting and have at least one parent/guardian present. However, if a parent/guardian is unable to attend, students are still expected to sign up. This meeting can be in person, over the phone or via Zoom. These meetings can also be conducted in Spanish, if needed. Meeting information:
  • Meeting sign-up
  • Meeting Agenda
  • Complete the Parent/Guardian Letter
  • Build a college list using your A-G GPA as your baseline and SAT/ACT test scores, if applicable. For your reference, here is the Just for Juniors presentation Ms. Valle and I did prior to spring break which will support in your GPA calculation. and building your college list.
  • If you have any questions about the Individual Junior College Planning Meeting, please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor, directly (fmarquez@davincischools.org). If you have questions about your transcript, please reach out to Ms. Valle, Academic and Wellness Counselor for the Class of 2026 (cvalle@davincischools.org). I look forward to meeting with each of you to discuss your Post-DVS Plans
  • 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.

• Parent Association 

• • Teacher and Staff Appreciation week is right around the corner, May 5th – 9th. There are lots of ways to contribute to the celebration. SIGN UP today to help make this week extra special for our amazing DVS faculty and staff.  More details in the sign up.  
  • Orders for DVSPA Spring Merch Fundraiser are still being accepted. Place your ORDER HERE (make sure you’re logged into your MySchoolBucks DaVinci Schools account if you also have a Wiseburn account).  Images and more details in this DVSPA Spring Merch flyer. Questions to DVS parent Lori, lj.bowk@gmail.com. 

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday and Tuesday, 4/28-4/29: SBAC Testing-11th Grade
• Thursday, 5/1 College Decision Day
• Friday, 5/2 Professional Development Day – No School
• Friday, 5/2: Senior Prom Night
• Monday – Wednesday, 5/5-5/7 WASC Accreditation Visit
• Friday, 5/9: Cal Poly SLO Field Trip- 11th Grade Pathways
• Monday, 5/12 Senior Beach Day
• Monday, 5/12 9th Grade Fulcrum Day
• Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony: June 12th 1:00 pm

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week: 

CLD Workshop- Soap Making in the Chemistry Lab

Collegewise Guest Speaker, Kate Strzelecki, came to speak to 9th and 10th grade families about college planning

SWE- tote-ally cool bag making at lunch for Earth Week

Beats by DVS Speaker/Headphone Dissections- thank everyone who donated!

 

 

Thank you for a great Exhibition Night! The students did a fantastic job showcasing their work and sharing their learning experiences with the community. Thank you to all those who came to our Exhibition Night. It meant a lot to our school to see friends, family, and the community care and support and get a sampling of the thoughtful work we do here at DVS!

Spring Break is here! The school campus will be closed during Spring Break, 4/14-4/18. If families need assistance, office staff will be available remotely Monday-Wednesday, 4/14-4/16, from 8:30 am-12:30 pm. For assistance, please contact Liz Diaz at ediaz@davincischools.org or Brittany Alvarez at balvarez@davincischools.org. 

School resumes with a CLD Day on Monday, 4/21. 

Happy Spring Break! We hope all DVS families have a wonderful break. We encourage students to stay safe, have fun, eat good food, enjoy quality time with family and friends, and rest well. You will need the recharge to finish the rest of the semester strong!

Week 31 Schedule:

Week 31 Announcements:  

• Community Learning Day #4: The fourth and final Community Learning Day (CLD) is after Spring Break on Monday, April 21st. Students who filled out the request form with their preference should be receiving workshop info via email. All students will need to fill out this Community Learning Day Attendance Form (DV account required) on 4/21 to receive attendance credit. Even if students did not sign-up for an on campus CLD workshop, they may come to school and attend if they would like – here is a list of workshops available as space permits.
• 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.
• 9th and 10th Grade Benchmark Testing: 9th and 10th grade students will be completing ELA and math standardized benchmark assessments (NWEA MAP) during April and May. These benchmark assessments provide valuable information on student levels and growth to inform our classroom practice and supports. We encourage students to get plenty of rest, have a healthy breakfast, and to do their best. 
• 11th Grade Statewide Testing: All 11th grade students will be taking the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics as well as the CAST (California Science Test) on April 28th and 29th during school hours. Please see this State Testing Parent Notification Letter for more information.
• CollegeWise Workshops: Come hear from leading professionals in college admissions. Typically, these services require a fee, however, this workshop is at no cost for DVS students. Collegewise Workshops will be held on campus in Galileo Room. 
  • Thursday, April 24th at 5:30pm: Building an Impressive Application Profile in High School for 9th and 10th graders. Please register here.
• Parent Association
  • Come spend time with other DVS Parents at our next DVSPA Meeting, Wed, April 23rd at 5:30pm on campus the first week back from Spring Break.  We will have snacks and a hands on project for Teacher and Staff Appreciation week, as well as updates on our other current projects.  
  • Orders for DVSPA Spring Merch Fundraiser are being distributed as they arrive and the sale is ongoing.  Place your ORDER HERE (make sure you’re logged into your MySchoolBucks DaVinci Schools account if you also have a Wiseburn account).  Images and more details in this DVSPA Spring Merch flyer. Questions to DVS parent Lori, lj.bowk@gmail.com.
  • Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5th -9th. DVSPA is organizing several different opportunities for families to show their support of our amazing faculty and staff!  Look for a sign up genius with specific item requests and dates in the upcoming blog (after spring break).  It’s never too early to take time to write a note of appreciation.  You may donate funds now via e-gift cards to DVSappreciation@gmail.com or cash donations can be dropped off at the DVS front desk beginning Tues 4/22.  

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday – Friday, 4/14 – 4/18 Spring Break – No School! 
• Monday, 4/21: Community Learning Day
• Wednesday, 4/23: Parent Association Meeting at 5:30pm at DVS
• Monday and Tuesday, 4/28-4/29: SBAC Testing-11th Grade
• Friday, 5/2: PD Day- No School
• Friday, 5/2: Prom Night
• Friday, 5/9: Cal Poly SLO Field Trip- 11th Grade Pathways
• Graduation Ceremony: June 12th 1:00 pm

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week: 

9th graders enjoyed their college visit to UCI. Go Anteaters!

Thank you for a fantastic Exhibition Night!

DVS Exhibition Night is TONIGHT! Our students are looking forward to seeing you tonight, Tuesday, April 8th from 5:30-7:30pm. This is a whole-school event where students publicly showcase their projects and provide our guests with a taste of what their learning experiences are like at DVS! Current families, staff, community members, industry partners, and prospective families are all welcome to attend. It’s open house-style — feel free to drop in anytime. All students are expected to attend and present. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Here’s a campus map and a list of the exhibits you can look forward to seeing.

DVS Exhibition Night is coming up next week, Tuesday, April 8th from 5:30-7:30pm! This is a whole-school event where students publicly showcase their projects. The students have been working hard and are looking forward to showcasing a sampling of their hard work this year. Current families, staff, community members, industry partners, and prospective families are all welcome to attend. It’s open house-style — feel free to drop in anytime. All students are expected to attend and present. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Week 30 Schedule:

Week 30 Announcements:  

• SAT Opt-In Day: This coming Monday, 4/7. Please encourage students who are taking the SAT on Monday to get plenty of rest this weekend, eat a healthy breakfast Monday morning, and be at school on time. Room assignments will be posted on campus in the morning.
• Community Learning Day #4: The fourth and final Community Learning Day (CLD) is coming up after Spring Break on Monday, April 21st. Students should their preference for their CLD activity on this REQUEST FORM by next Tuesday, April 8th. 
• 9th and 10th Grade Benchmark Testing: 9th and 10th grade students will be completing ELA and math standardized benchmark assessments (NWEA MAP) during April and May. These benchmark assessments provide valuable information on student levels and growth to inform our classroom practice and supports. We encourage students to get plenty of rest, have a healthy breakfast, and do their best. 
• 11th Grade Statewide Testing: All 11th grade students will be taking the SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) in the areas of English Language Arts and Mathematics as well as the CAST (California Science Test) on April 28th and 29th during school hours. Please see this State Testing Parent Notification Letter for more information.
• 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.
• Negotiating Your Financial Aid Workshop Series: If you’re looking to make college more affordable, this workshop is for you! This workshop will take place in room 3203 on the DV Communications floor from 6:30-7:30pm on April 4th or April 11th. See this blog post for more information and RSVP for one workshop at this link.
• CollegeWise Workshops: Come hear from leading professionals in college admissions. Typically, these services require a fee, however, this workshop is at no cost for DVS students. Collegewise Workshops will be held on campus in Galileo Room. 
  • Thursday, April 24th at 5:30pm: Building an Impressive Application Profile in High School for 9th and 10th graders. Please register here.

• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA):
  • Congratulations DVS community!  DVSPA is so happy to announce that we have met our fundraising goal this school year for our Advisory Fundraiser! A sincere “Thank You!” to all who donated to support DVS Advisory in this way. Every DVS student will be impacted by your generosity!
  • Last chance to get discounted pricing on DVSPA Merch Sale is Tues 4/8.  Look for the DVSPA table at Exhibition with sample shirts or in this Merch flyer.  
  • DVSPA is gearing up for our next service project, Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, May 5-9th.  If you are interested in being a lead for this project, please reach out to DVS parent, Lori asap.  lj.bowk@gmail.com  More details on other ways to help coming soon.
  • We will also be working on items for Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week at our next DVSPA Meeting, Wed, April 23rd at 5:30pm on campus.  Join us!

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday, 4/7: Opt-in SAT School Day (10th & 11th grade)
• Monday, 4/7: 9th Grade College Field Trip
• Monday, 4/7: 12th Grade Park Field Trip
• Tuesday, 4/8 Exhibition Night 5:30pm-7:30pm
• Thursday, 4/10 State Seal of Biliteracy Exam
• Monday – Friday, 4/14 – 4/18 Spring Break – No School! 
• Monday, 4/21 Community Learning Day
• Wednesday, 4/23 Parent Association Meeting at 5:30pm at DVS
• Graduation Ceremony: June 12th 2:00 pm

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week: 

Collegewise consultant, Ian Parker, shared College Admissions information to our 11th grade families

Congrats to DVS Data Science Club!

Physicists Climate Catalyst Innovation Challenge!

CEA Honors visited SoFi Stadium on an architecture and engineering tour

Spanish Fashion Show-students described their outfits and the price of each item in Spanish!

This week started with fun and informative College Visits for our 11th graders! Students visited LMU and the Claremont Colleges and heard from DVS alumni. Students continued to go full force with their projects and learning this week and are looking forward to a three-day weekend! We honor Cesar Chavez Day in recognition and celebration of his contributions to the civil rights and labor movements.

(Apologies for the late post, apparently, the post did not go through as scheduled on Friday)

Week 29 Schedule:

Week 29 Announcements:  

• Exhibition Night for DVS is Tuesday, April 8th from 5:30-7:30pm! This is a whole-school event where students publicly showcase their projects. Current families, staff, community members, industry partners, and prospective families are all welcome to attend. It’s open house-style — just drop in anytime. All students are expected to attend and present. We look forward to seeing you there! 
• Wear Red for Autism Acceptance – Wednesday, April 2! This Wednesday, April 2, students are encouraged to wear red to celebrate Autism Acceptance! Acceptance means recognizing that communication, learning, and social interaction look different for everyone—and that’s a good thing! By supporting and valuing autistic people just as they are, we help create a more inclusive school. Let’s move beyond stereotypes and recognize the strengths, differences, and unique perspectives of autistic individuals. Spread the word, wear red, and celebrate neurodiversity with us! #RedInstead #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity

• 9th and 10th Grade Benchmark Testing: 9th and 10th grade students will be completing ELA and math standardized benchmark assessments (NWEA MAP) during April and May. These benchmark assessments provide valuable information on student levels and growth to inform our classroom practice and supports. We encourage students to get plenty of rest, have a healthy breakfast, and to do their best. 
• 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.
• Negotiating Your Financial Aid Workshop Series: If you’re looking to make college more affordable, this workshop is for you! This workshop will take place in room 3203 on the DV Communications floor from 6:30-7:30pm. See this blog post for available dates, more information, and RSVP for one workshop at this link.
• CollegeWise Workshops: Come hear from leading professionals in college admissions. Typically, these services require a fee, however, this workshop is at no cost for DVS students. Collegewise Workshops will be held on campus in Galileo Room. 
  • Thursday, April 3rd at 5:30pm: Juniors! How to Get Ahead on a College Application for 11th graders.Please register here.
  • Thursday, April 24th at 5:30pm: Building an Impressive Application Profile in High School for 9th and 10th graders. Please register here.
• Old speakers/Headphones WANTED! Taube’s 9th grade physicists will be dissecting speakers and headphones for our Beats by DVS project in early April. Please drop off in Taube’s classroom. Thank you!
• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA):
  • Come join us at our next DVSPA meeting, April 23rd at 5:30pm on campus.  We will be working on service projects for Teacher and Staff Appreciation week.
  • View the DVSPA exciting new DVS Merch Designs HERE.  DVSPA is taking pre-orders for our Apparel Fundraiser!  Show your school spirit and pre-order yours today using this ORDER LINK before the price increase.
  • Please join us in our final push for our ADVISORY FUNDRAISER – Please consider donating a gift card in any amount to places like Target, Amazon, Trader Joes, etc. by sending it to DVSappreciation@gmail.com.  You can make a tax deductible monetary donation at https://davincischools.networkforgood.com/ Select 07 – DaVinci Science AND write “DVSPA Advisory Fundraiser” as the “Note for Donor Scroll.” Thank you SO MUCH to those who have already donated this school year!

• Seniors- Class of 2025: Here is the flyer regarding some senior happenings:
• 

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday, 3/31: Cesar Chavez Day Holiday- No School
• Wednesday, 4/2: DVS Families Coffee Time at 5:00pm
• Thursday, 4/3: CollegeWise Workshop at 5:30pm
• Friday, 4/4: 12th Grade Prospective Students Trip to El Camino College
• Monday, 4/7: Opt-in SAT School Day (10th & 11th grade)
• Monday, 4/7: 9th Grade College Field Trip
• Monday, 4/7: 12th Grade Park Field Trip
• Tuesday, 4/8 Exhibition Night 5:30pm-7:30pm
• Thursday, 4/10 State Seal of Biliteracy Exam
• Monday – Friday, 4/14 – 4/18 Spring Break – No School! 
• Monday, 4/21 Community Learning Day
• Wednesday, 4/23 Parent Association Meeting at 5:30pm at DVS
• Graduation Ceremony: June 12th 2:00 pm

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week: 

11th Grade College Tour- Claremont Colleges

11th Grade College Visit- LMU

Human Body System class- pig heart dissections

SWE trip to Algalita Marine Science Research Center- students got to kayak and analyze water quality

Sophomores in World History defended why their country was not to blame for WWI

Thank you for a great week of SLCs! We really enjoyed seeing families on campus (or on Zoom). We value the time to connect and build relationships with families through individualized conversations. Thank you for partnering with us to optimize our students’ learning experience! 

We are back to a regular schedule next week. 

Week 28 Schedule:

Week 28 Announcements:  

• 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.
• 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade College Planning Info Session Slides: Thank you to all the freshman and sophomore families that attended their grade-level college planning info sessions. Ms. Valle and Ms. Marquez also presented to all juniors during English class on 3/17 to discuss college applications. Below are the slides from each presentation. Sign-ups for individual 11th grade college planning meetings will be available in a few weeks.
  • 9th Grade College Planning Info Session Slides
  • 10th Grade College Planning Info Session Slides
  • 11th Grade Slides
• Negotiating Your Financial Aid Workshop Series: If you’re looking to make college more affordable, this workshop is for you! This workshop will take place in room 3203 on the DV Communications floor from 6:30-7:30pm. See this blog post for available dates, more information, and RSVP for one workshop at this link.
• CollegeWise Workshops: Come hear from leading professionals in college admissions. Typically, these services require a fee, however, this workshop is at no cost for DVS students. Collegewise Workshops will be held on campus in Galileo Room. 
  • Thursday, April 3rd at 5:30pm: Juniors! How to Get Ahead on a College Application for 11th graders.Please register here.
  • Thursday, April 24th at 5:30pm: Building an Impressive Application Profile in High School for 9th and 10th graders. Please register here.
• Old speakers/Headphones WANTED! Taube’s 9th grade physicists will be dissecting speakers and headphones for our Beats by DVS project in early April. Please drop off in Taube’s classroom. Thank you!

• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA):
  • DVS Parents BINGO NIGHT is Sunday! If it turns out you can make it, you can still RSVP HERE . Bring a fellow DVS Parent and/or come meet other DVS parents you don’t know yet!  Sunday, March 23rd, 5-8pm, at Five Point Five
  • View the DVSPA exciting new DVS Merch Designs HERE.  DVSPA is taking pre-orders for our Apparel Fundraiser!  Show your school spirit and pre-order yours today using this ORDER LINK before the price increase.
  • Please join us in our final push for our ADVISORY FUNDRAISER – we still have a ways to go to meet our $2,500 goal to support advisory teachers.  Please consider donating a gift card in any amount to places like Target, Amazon, Trader Joes, etc. by sending it to DVSappreciation@gmail.com.  You can make a tax deductible monetary donation at https://davincischools.networkforgood.com/ Select 07 – DaVinci Science AND write “DVSPA Advisory Fundraiser” as the “Note for Donor Scroll.” Thank you SO MUCH to those who have already donated this school year!

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Sunday, 3/23: DVS Parent Association Bingo Night at Five Point Five @ 5pm
• Monday, 3/24: 11th Grade College Field Trip
• Monday, 3/24: SWE Algalita Field Trip (AM only)
• Tuesday, 3/25: Medical Interventions Grand Rounds at 6pm in the Black Box
• Wednesday, 3/26: Parent Advisory Committee Meeting #5 at 4:15pm
• Friday, 3/28: CEA Honors So-Fi Tour
• Monday, 3/31: Cesar Chavez Day Holiday- No School
• Wednesday, 4/2: DVS Families Coffee Time at 5:00pm
• Thursday, 4/3: CollegeWise Workshop at 5:30pm
• Friday, 4/4: 12th Grade Prospective Students Trip to El Camino College
• Monday, 4/7: Opt-in SAT School Day (10th & 11th grade)
• Monday, 4/7: 9th Grade College Field Trip
• Monday, 4/7: 12th Grade Park Field Trip

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week:

Guest speakers Zora Law and Paul Chae from the Southern California Casualty Actuarial Club came to talk to our Calculus students about their experiences as actuaries!

Physics built electromagnets! Advanced Physics finished one level of their DVS cribs: floating forces mobile project analyzing torque and rotational equilibrium

Great week of SLCs!

 

We hope all students enjoyed PD day today. Last week, the DV Visual and Performing Arts team had their last musical performance of GREASE. The students worked so hard on this performance and did a spectacular job showcasing their dedication and talents. We are so proud of all of our performers!

Da Vinci is hosting FRC LA Regionals this weekend, 3/15-3/16. We are excited and consider it an honor to host this event and welcome schools from local communities across the country and worldwide. All are welcome to join the fun and cheer on the Robotics team or watch virtually at this link: FIRSTinspires2 – Twitch. Go Vitruvian Bots! 

This upcoming week is SLC week. We are looking forward to seeing families and engaging in reflective, meaningful conversations with students, parents, and teachers. SLCs are required as they are essential to the collaborative efforts to ensure each student’s achievement and success. 

Week 27 Schedule:

Week 27 Announcements:  

• Student-Led Conferences: Spring 2025 Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) are this coming week! They will take place from Monday-Thursday, 3/17-3/20. The schedule as well as specific instructions for SLCs were shared by grade-level teachers, and can be found in this SLC Plans for Families document. During SLC week, students will be dismissed early at 2:25 pm every day.
• 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.
• Negotiating Your Financial Aid Workshop Series: If you’re looking to make college more affordable, this workshop is for you! This workshop will take place in room 3203 on the DV Communications floor from 6:30-7:30pm. See this blog post for available dates, more information, and RSVP for one workshop at this link.
• CollegeWise Workshops: Come here from leading professionals in college admissions. Typically, these services require a fee, however, this workshop is at no cost for DV students. Collegewise Workshops will be held on campus in Galileo Room.
  • Thursday, April 3rd at 5:30pm: Juniors! How to Get Ahead on a College Application for 11th graders.Please register here.
  • Thursday, April 24th at 5:30pm: Building an Impressive Application Profile in High School for 9th and 10th graders. Please register here.

• Old speakers/Headphones WANTED! Taube’s 9th grade physicists will be dissecting speakers and headphones for our Beats by DVS project in early April. Please drop off in Taube’s classroom. Thank you!

• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA):
  • View our exciting new DVS Merch Designs HERE. DVSPA is taking pre-orders for our Apparel Fundraiser! Show your school spirit and pre-order yours today using this ORDER LINK before the price increase.
  • DVS Parents BINGO NIGHT is almost here! RSVP HERE to save your spot. Bring a fellow DVS Parent and/or come meet other DVS parents you don’t know yet! Sunday, March 23rd, 5-8pm, at Five Point Five
  • DVSPA ADVISORY FUNDRAISER – we are still working to meet our fundraising goal to support advisory teachers.  Please consider donating a gift card in any amount to places like Target, Amazon, Trader Joes, etc. by sending it to DVSappreciation@gmail.com.  You can make a tax deductible monetary donation at https://davincischools.networkforgood.com/ Select 07 – DaVinci Science AND write “DVSPA Advisory Fundraiser” as the “Note for Donor Scroll.”

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Friday-Sunday, 3/14-3/16 FRC Los Angeles Regionals @ Da Vinci
• Monday-Thursday, 3/17-3/20: Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
• Friday, 3/21: Honors Commitment Deadline
• Sunday, 3/23: DVS Parent Association Bingo Night at Five Point Five @ 5pm
• Monday, 3/24: 11th Grade College Field Trip
• Monday, 3/24: SWE Algalita Field Trip (AM only)
• Tuesday, 3/25: Medical Interventions Grand Rounds at 6pm in the Black Box
• Wednesday, 3/26: Parent Advisory Committee Meeting #5 at 4:15pm
• Friday, 3/28: CEA Honors So-Fi Tour
• Monday, 3/31: Cesar Chavez Day Holiday- No School
• Wednesday, 4/2: DVS Families Coffee Time at 5:00pm
• Thursday, 4/3: CollegeWise Workshop at 5:30pm
• Friday, 4/4: 12th Grade Prospective Students Trip to El Camino College
• Monday, 4/7: Opt-in SAT School Day (10th & 11th grade)
• Monday, 4/7: 9th Grade College Field Trip
• Monday, 4/7: 12th Grade Park Field Trip

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week:

And that’s a wrap! We enjoyed GREASE- thank you for an amazing performance!

 

Teletaubes Advisory having fun on Taco Tuesday

 

 

Students had another smooth and successful week, and they are almost halfway through the semester. On Monday, 9th graders had their physical fitness test, while 10th graders were team-bonding and culture-building in Culver City with Fulcrum. 

Congratulations to the Vitruvian Bots! Team 4201 had a great first competition of the season and looks forward to hosting the next competition, LA Regionals here on our Da Vinci Campus! Some highlights from last weekend’s Port Hueneme Regionals included: ranking 14 out of 36 teams, being first pick in their alliance, and a fantastic, effective working Bot, Lochness! The team has been kicking it up in high gear, working hard every day after school to get ready for LAR

Spring is approaching and we hope families keep warm this weekend; Happy International Women’s Day, Saturday, 3/8! Also, a reminder that clocks Spring Forward this Sunday, March 9th. 

We have a four-day week this week; PD Day Friday, 3/14- no school for students.

Week 26 Schedule:

Week 26 Announcements:  

• Student-Led Conferences: Spring 2025 Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) are coming up! They will take place from Monday-Thursday, 3/17-3/20. The schedule as well as specific instructions for SLCs were shared by grade-level teachers, and can be found in this SLC Plans for Families document. During SLC week, students will be dismissed early at 2:25 pm every day.
• Opt-in Spring 2025 SAT School Day: The Spring 2025 DVS Opt-in SAT School Day date has been set for Monday, April 7th. The Interest Form (Da Vinci Google account required) is due by Monday, March 10th, 2025. Please direct questions to DVS Assistant Principal, Saya Wai, at swai@davincischools.or
• College Planning Information Sessions are coming during Week 26! We will welcome 9th grade families on Tuesday, March 11th and 10th grade families on Wednesday, March 12th. Come learn more about college and career readiness, graduation requirements, college admissions tips and more! Meets are from 5:30pm-6:30pm and held on the DVS floor. Click here to reserve your spot!
• Negotiating Your Financial Aid Workshop Series: Da Vinci Schools is thrilled to announce a powerful, practical, and proven workshop designed to help families decode, dispute, and decrease their college costs. If you’re looking to make college more affordable, this workshop is for you! This workshop will take place in room 3203 on the DV Communications floor from 6:30-7:30pm. See this blog post for available dates, more information, and RSVP for one workshop at this link.
• CollegeWise Workshops

• • Thursday, April 3rd at 5:30pm: Juniors! How to Get Ahead on a College Application for 11th graders.Please register here.
  • Thursday, April 24th at 5:30pm: Building an Impressive Application Profile in High School for 9th and 10th graders. Please register here.
• OLD SPEAKERS/HEADPHONES WANTED! Taube’s 9th grade physicists will be dissecting speakers and headphones for our Beats by DVS project in early April. Please drop off in Taube’s classroom. Thank you!
• 2025 DVS Yearbook: The 2025 yearbook is ready to purchase at the school yearbook at Varsity Press. Click here for link. Prices start at $55 and are soon to change.

• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA):
  • The Da Vinci Science Parent Association is still taking pre-orders for the Spring 2025 DVS Apparel Fundraiser! Pre-order now at this MySchoolBucks link.
  • DVS PARENT BINGO NIGHT: Mark your calendar and RSVP YES to our DVS Parents Bingo Night. Sunday, March 23rd, 5-8pm, at Five Point Five. RSVP HERE
  • DVSPA ADVISORY FUNDRAISER: Please consider donating a gift card in any amount to places like Target, Amazon, Trader Joes, etc. by sending it to DVSappreciation@gmail.com. You can make a tax deductible monetary donation at https://davincischools.networkforgood.com/ Select 07 – DaVinci Science AND write “DVSPA Advisory Fundraiser” as the “Note for Donor Scroll.”

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Tuesday, 3/11: 9th Grade College Planning Meeting @ 5:30pm
• Wednesday, 3/12: 10th Grade College Planning Meeting @ 5:30pm
• Thursday – Sunday, 3/13 – 3/16: FRC Los Angeles Regional
• Friday, 3/14: PD Day, No School
• Friday-Sunday, 3/14-3/16 FRC Los Angeles Regionals @ Da Vinci
• Monday-Thursday, 3/17-3/20: Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
• Friday, 3/21: Honors Commitment Deadline
• Sunday, 3/23: DVS Parent Association Bingo Night at Five Point Five @ 5pm
• Monday, 3/31: Cesar Chavez Day Holiday- No School

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week: 

Class of 2027 conquering their fears during team-bonding Fulcrum Day

 

 

Class of 2028 practicing for Senior Beach Day

 

 

 

DVS had a productive and even-paced five-day week. DV’s Robotics Team 4201 is currently in Port Hueneme for our first FRC competition of the season. The official qualification matches begin Saturday, 3/1, and end Sunday, 3/2. Here’s where you can watch the live stream of the competition: FIRSTinspires4—Twitch Go Vitruvian Bots! 

It’s hard to believe we are almost halfway through the semester. With SLCs coming up, the following weeks will be busy. Thank you for continued positive attendance and engagement. Please read below for many important announcements for students and parents/guardians.

Week 25:

Week 25 Announcements:  

• Student-Led Conferences: Spring 2025 Student-Led Conferences (SLCs) are coming up! They will take place from Monday-Thursday, 3/17-3/20. The schedule as well as specific instructions for SLCs will be shared by grade-level teachers, but you can also find it in this SLC Plans for Families document. During SLC week, students will be dismissed early at 2:25 pm every day.
• DVS Family Coffee: Next Coffee with the Principal next Wednesday, March 5th.5:00-6:00 on Zoom or in Person in Berger Room. Topic: School Parent and Student Survey Data
• Opt-in Spring 2025 SAT School Day: DVS 10th and 11th grade students can opt-in to take the SAT during this school day, free of charge, by completing this Spring 2025 DVS Opt-in SAT School Day Interest Form (Da Vinci Google account required) by Monday, March 10th, 2025. If there is a lot of interest, priority will be given to 11th grade students. DVS will still be holding a school-wide SAT/PSAT School Day in the fall as usual. More details about this Spring 2025 SAT School Day will be communicated when available to those of you who complete the form. Please direct questions to DVS Assistant Principal, Saya Wai, at swai@davincischools.org.
• OLD SPEAKERS/HEADPHONES WANTED! Taube’s 9th grade physicists will be dissecting speakers and headphones for our Beats by DVS project in early April. Please drop off in Taube’s classroom. Thank you!

• College Planning Information Sessions are coming during Week 26! We will welcome 9th grade families on Tuesday, March 11th and 10th grade families on Wednesday, March 12th. Come learn more about college and career readiness, graduation requirements, college admissions tips and more! Meets are from 5:30pm-6:30pm and held on the DVS floor.  Click here to reserve your spot!
• Additional college and career workshops and support:
  • Thursday, April 3rd at 5:30pm: Juniors! How to Get Ahead on a College Application. This workshop is hosted by our partners at CollegeWise and is geared towards 11th graders.  Please register here.
  • Thursday, April 24th at 5:30pm: Building an Impressive Application Profile in High School. This workshop is hosted by our partners at CollegeWise and is geared towards 9th and 10th graders.  Please register here.
  • 11th Grade Individual Post-Secondary Planning Meetings start on Monday, May 5th and run through POL Week. Ms. Marquez meets with every Junior family to develop an individualized post-secondary plan. Signups will be posted after Spring Break.
  • Personal Statement Workshops for Juniors. A two-part series hosted by CollegeWise: Session 1 will occur during POL week and Session 2 over the summer as well as during Summer PD time
  • College counseling, hosted by our partners at CollegeWise, available over the summer. 
  • We look forward to supporting students in their college and career planning during the spring semester! Please reach out to Ms. Marquez, College and Career Counselor with any questions: fmarquez@davincischools.org 
• DVS Parent Association (DVSPA):
  • DVSPA is offering NEW DVS MERCH – The Da Vinci Science Parent Association is now taking pre-orders for the Spring 2025 DVS Apparel Fundraiser! Show your school pride and spirit and pre-order now at this MySchoolBucks link.
  • DVS PARENT BINGO NIGHT! Need a break and want to help strengthen our DVS Community? Mark your calendar and RSVP YES to our DVS Parents Bingo Night. Bring a fellow DVS Parent and/or come meet other DVS Parents you don’t know yet! Sunday, March 23rd, 5-8pm, at Five Point Five. RSVP HERE
  • DVSPA ADVISORY FUNDRAISER – we are still working to meet our fundraising goal to support advisory teachers. Please consider donating a gift card in any amount to places like Target, Amazon, Trader Joes, etc. by sending it to DVSappreciation@gmail.com. You can make a tax deductible monetary donation at https://davincischools.networkforgood.com/ Select 07 – DaVinci Science AND write “DVSPA Advisory Fundraiser” as the “Note for Donor Scroll.”
• WDV Performing Arts Presents: GREASE
  • Don’t miss the electrifying Wiseburn Da Vinci Performing Arts spring musical, GREASE! Join us for an unforgettable story of friendship, love, and adventure through the 1950s. The first show opens Friday, February 28th and runs through Sunday, March 9th. Grab your tickets today–– this is a show you don’t want to miss! 
    • When:
      • Feb 28 @ 7:00pm
      • Mar 1 @ 7:00pm
      • Mar 2 @ 2:00pm
      • Mar 7 @ 7:00pm
      • Mar 8 @ 7:00pm
      • Mar 9 @ 2:00pm
    • Where: Blackbox Theater, 201 N. Douglas St., El Segundo
    • Ticket Info: $10 Adult; $5 Student & Child
    • >> Purchase your tickets here!

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Monday, 3/3: Fulcrum Field Trip
• Monday, 3/3: 9th Grade Physical Fitness Testing
• Monday, 3/3: Harvey Mudd College Visit
• Wednesday, 3/5 : DVS Parent Coffee with the Principal 5:00-6:00
• Tuesday, 3/11: 9th Grade College Planning Meeting @ 5:30pm
• Wednesday, 3/12: 10th Grade College Planning Meeting @ 5:30pm
• Thursday – Sunday, 3/13 – 3/16: FRC Los Angeles Regional
• Friday, 3/14: PD Day, No School
• Friday-Sunday, 3/14-3/16 FRC Los Angeles Regionals @ Da Vinci
• Monday-Thursday, 3/17-3/20: Student-Led Conferences (SLCs)
• Friday, 3/21: Honors Commitment Deadline
• Monday, 3/31: Cesar Chavez Day Holiday- No School

 

Helpful Links:

DV/Wiseburn Athletics  

DVS Planning Calendar

DVS News YouTube Channel

DVS Announcements Slide Deck

Da Vinci Photos Link

Some Highlights from the Week:

Seniors from across the Da Vinci Schools attended a field trip to Santa Monica College

Students enjoying the soccer field and getting sunshine and exercise during lunchtime

Just another day of awesome instruction at DVS. Dr. Daube reviewing Kinematics in Physics, Ms. McBee going over Elasticity in Economics, Mr. McGregor questioning CEA Honors students about the design and build of their shelters for Wilderness Park